Southern Illinois football head coach Nick Hill unveiled the program's 22-man National Signing Day class on Wednesday.
SIU brought in a class of 14 freshmen and eight transfers, including two transfers from within the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Joining the Salukis from Murray State are the Racers' starting quarterback DJ Williams, and top tackler from 2023, linebacker Shug Walker.
The class also includes potential impact transfers at the skill positions in wide receivers Tae Marrero (University of Charleston) and Bradley Clark (Tennessee Tech), and running back Eddie Robinson (Duquesne).
Among the highest profile recruits is Pinckneyville High School's Karsen Konkel, a three-star tight end who decommitted from Illinois to play for Southern.
Class broken down by position: Offensive Linemen (4), Quarterbacks (3), Wide Receivers (3), Defensive Ends (3), Linebackers (3), Tight Ends (2), Running Backs (2), Cornerbacks (1), Kickers (1)
Hill on the 2024 Signing Day Class
"Now the work starts. You have to feel confident in your program to develop these guys into what their full potential is. We've done a good job of identifying talent and bringing guys into a culture where they can be the best players they can possibly be.""They're coming here to be Salukis, we'll develop them as people first, and obviously we wouldn't have identified them to come here and play football if we didn't think they were incredible assets to our program."
Hill on the eight transfers
"We've done a good job of not just identifying talented transfers, but who's going to come here and just really fit into the culture. You have to identify guys that you think who will be about winning, be about the program — not just about on the field about themselves, but just collectively buying into the program."
Hill on the 14 high school signees
"It's such a long process to get to this point, especially with the high school kids you've recruited for a long time. It seems so far away when you start recruiting them — really last spring when you start identifying those guys, seeing them in the summer, getting them to campus, home-game visits, official visits. It's a special day for those guys. The percentage of kids that sign Division I scholarship is small."
"There's a lot of hard work in front of them. We'll know in a couple years how all these guys develop and what their stories have become, but we're really excited about this group."
Quentin Boeke, 6-5, 275, FreshmanOffensive Lineman, Evansville, Ind. | FJ Reitz HS
As a senior at left tackle in 2023, named Class 4A All-State, First-Team All-City, All-Metro, First-Team All-Conference, Academic All-City … Helped lead his team to an 21-2 record in his junior and senior seasons and back-to-back appearances in the Sectionals … A two-year National Honor Society and Student Council member … Won the Optimist Youth Student of the Day Award … Also lettered in lacrosse three years and was a two-time team defensive MVP … Lettered in swimming as a freshman … Enjoys hunting and fishing.
Hill on Boeke: "We continue to stack good offensive line classes together that you can develop in the program. Coach Clark does a great job with the process of recruiting those guys. You have to get to know the person. What it takes to be a great offensive lineman starts with their mentality, their makeup."
Bradley ClarkWide Receiver, 6-0, 208, SeniorTransfer: Tennessee TechLakeland, Fla. | Victory Christian Academy
Tennessee Tech transfer with one year to play … Led the team in 2023 with 42 catches for 491 yards and 1 TD … A semifinalist for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy, sponsored by the National Football Foundation, based on athletic and academic performance … For his career at TTU, recorded 68 catches for 820 yards and 3 TDs … In high school, he totaled 755 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns his junior and senior seasons … His squad won the state championship in his sophomore season and district titles in three of his four years.
Hill on Clark: "He's had a lot of production in his college career, and we feel like getting him here in our system, he can really take off. He's a mature kid who gets it, understands the grind of the season and what it takes. He's a really mature, really smart bigger-body receiver that we think can have an impact."
Jake CurryQuarterback, 5-11, 185, FreshmanEdwardsville, Ill. | Edwardsville HS
Class 8A First-Team All-State after leading team to a 10-2 record his senior year in 2023 … A three-time All-Conference selection and Academic All-Conference pick … Also lettered in basketball.
Hill on Curry: "He comes from a great program here in the state —a four-year starter at Edwardsville, which is hard to do, especially at a school that size, with that much success. He's a kid we got to see a lot in-person and he checked all the boxes."
Cameron DyeOffensive Line, 6-3, 290, JuniorTransfer: Georgia StateAlpharetta, Ga. | Milton HS
Georgia State transfer and Dean's List member in spring, 2023 … Two-time All-Region selection at Milton HS and 2020 Preseason All-State … Helped lead team to the state quarterfinals in 2020 and was part of Class 7A state championship team in 2018 ... Allowed no sacks his junior year and just one as a senior … Brother, Ernest Dye Jr., played for SIU from 2016-19 … Father, Ernest Dye, played five seasons in the NFL.
Hill on Dye: "Coaching his brother, knew him when he was a kid coming up to games to watch Ernest play. For us to be able to get him full circle, just another really good offensive lineman to add to a good group of guys."
Ben FiegelLinebacker, 6-3, 225, FreshmanBatavia, Ill. | Batavia HS
Named Second-Team All-State and conference Defensive MVP in 2023, after recording 115 tackles and 12.0 tackles for loss his senior year … Two-time Academic All-State and Academic All-Conference … As a junior in 2022, had 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks … Also lettered in basketball and track … Recipient of the Batavia VFW Community Service award.
Hill on Fiegel: "He comes from a program that develops tough-minded kids. Ben was a captain and a leader. What separated him and why I knew I wanted him was just what everybody said about him in the school — the type of person he was, the leader he was, the physical-ness he plays with."
Paul GeelenKicker/Punter, 6-5, 185, JuniorTransfer: William Jewell CollegeUtrecht, Netherlands | Harper Creek HS
William Jewell College transfer with two years of eligibility … In two seasons at WJC, converted 15-of-21 field goals, including 8-of-9 in 2023 (only miss was blocked) … Was 5-for-5 on field goals over 40 yards in 2023, including successful kicks from 47, 48 and 48 … Made 47-of-50 PATs in his career … Averaged 43.7 yards per punt on 53 attempts in 2023, with a long of 62 … Also handled kickoffs and 40 of his 84 career kicks went for touchbacks … Had a career-long 49-yard field goal as a freshman … Earned All-Conference and All-City honors in HS in football, soccer and track … Academic All-State.
Coach Hill on Geelen: "We wanted to identify a kicker who could have a big impact. He does both, took over punting duties this year. Really brought him in here to solidify the kicker position. His dad played college basketball here in the States. We felt really good about him with the research that we've done."
Parker GetterOffensive Tackle, 6-6, 290, FreshmanGlenwood, Iowa | Glenwood Community HS
First-Team All-State and led his team to an 8-3 record and semifinals of the 4A playoffs in 2023 … Also named First-Team All-District 6 and Lineman of the Year … Helped team to a 7-4 record and semifinal appearance in 2022.
Hill on Getter: "He had some other opportunities —all these guys did. To get him down here, his family as well, to get to know him — he picked us. For all these offensive linemen, it's about getting here, developing. Our offensive line room is a great culture on and off the field."
ET HarrisQuarterback, 6-2, 160, FreshmanLouisville, Ky. | Kentucky Country Day HS
The District Player-of-the-Year and PAC Quarterback of the Year … Two-time All-District and All-Conference … Posted a 21-6 record as a starter … Career numbers: passed for 4,027 yards and 42 touchdowns, rushed for 567 yards and 19 touchdowns … Set the school record for career passing percentage … Also lettered in basketball and baseball.
Hill on Harris: "Phenomenal kid, comes from a great family. He had an incredible high school career and his ceiling is super-high. Look forward to him getting here and developing — he's a kid that can run, he's really athletic. He has a bright future here and we're excited for him to come in and compete just like the rest of these guys."
Karsen KonkelTight End, 6-6, 225, FreshmanPinckneyville, Ill. | Pinckneyville HS
Three-star and No. 22 prospect in the state, according to 247Sports, who decommitted from Illinois … Played one varsity game as a sophomore and half a season as a junior in 2022, after sustaining a leg injury … Also starred in basketball, and was a 2022 All-Conference, All-South, and All-State selection at the center position and led his team to the Super Sectional.
Hill on Konkel: "Obviously, he was committed to another school here in the state for a long time. We were his first offer as a junior last year and it just kind of came full circle. Any time there's a kid from Southern Illinois, we want them to know they have a home and there's a special opportunity to come and be a Saluki. He's probably one of the higher-rated kids we've ever signed here. He's a great athlete. I don't think even he knows how good he can be. It's a special day for all of Southern Illinois for him to choose to come be a Saluki."
Jak LindseyOffensive Line, 6-5, 300, FreshmanBeaver Dam, Ky. | Owensboro HS
Four-year starter … MaxPreps Freshman All-America, First-Team All-State, First-Team All-Area, First-Team Academic All-State, DAR Good Citizen award, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader.
Hill on Lindsey: "Jak's a kid we were able to get up here before the season, sit down with him and his family in my office. They felt really comfortable, we felt comfortable with who we were getting — the person we're getting."
Tae MarreroWide Receiver, 5-11, 185, JuniorTransfer: University of CharlestonLouisville, Ky. | Ballard HS
University of Charleston transfer with two years of eligibility … Caught 55 passes for 923 yards and 10 TDs in 2023 and at least one pass in every game … Had three, 100-yard receiving games on the season … Also returned 25 kickoffs for a 26.7 avg and 2 TDs of 97 and 85 yards, plus 32 punt returns for an 11.9 avg. with a long of 56 … One of four players in the conference to earn Super Region 1 First-Team honors from D2CCA.
Hill on Marrero: "When you watch his tape, he's just an explosive playmaker, not only at the wide receiver position but in the return game. We feel like he's going to give us a boost — he's an explosive kid."
Lukus McDanielsDefensive End, 6-5, 240, FreshmanLouisville, Ky. | Jeffersontown HS
Played just two-and-a-half years of organized football … Was named First-Team All-District at TE his senior year and 1st-Team All-District at LB his junior year. Career totals of 670 receiving yards, 520 rushing yards, 361 passing yards, 12 TDs, 84 tackles, 4 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions … Helped his team go from 0-10 his junior year to 9-2 his senior season … Also lettered in basketball and his team won back-to-back regional championships.
Hill on McDaniels: "I was able to go watch him play basketball a couple of weeks ago. He's a really good basketball player. You watch his tape and he's played all over the place. He's played quarterback, wide receiver. We're going to start him off at defensive end. He just has a skill-set that really separates himself — the raw athleticism that he has."
Denym Mitchell Cornerback, 6-0, 185, FreshmanJackson, Miss. | Madison Central HS
A Class 7A All-State and two-time All-Conference selection … Recorded 12 career interceptions and more than 100 tackles … Selected to play in the Magnolia Senior Bowl … Also lettered in track and basketball.
Hill on Mitchell: "A little bit of distance for him to come up here — for him and his family to make that commitment to come up here — Coach Terry Hawthorne and Coach (Larry) Warner being from Mississippi really helped, just that relationship that he's built with Coach Hawthorne. He's the one corner we signed in this class and he can be a good one."
Aiden MoriartyTight End, 6-4, 240, FreshmanPlainfield, Ill. | Oswego East HS
Honorable Mention All-Conference and Honor Roll/Dean's List recipient … Performed 125 hours of community service in high school … Overcame shoulder surgery as a sophomore to earn starting spot as a junior.
Hill on Moriarity: "He was one of the first commitments in this class and stuck with us, an in-state kid that we're really excited about. He's a true tight end — similar to (Ryan) Schwendeman. We've identified that we want to play with tight ends and be physical and do what it takes to win in this league. We feel he can do both — he can catch the ball, he's got a physical-ness that we love."
Jerrian ParkerRunning Back, 5-10, 190, FreshmanOrlando, Fla. | Jones HS
Rushed for 1,427 yards and 19 touchdowns his senior year in 2023, and 897 yard and 11 TDs as a junior … From the same high school as 2023 Saluki All-American safety PJ Jules.
Hill on Parker: "He'll be coming here to join us mid-year. We're getting close to almost 10 guys from Jones High School that's been a part of this program. Jerrian is an explosive back that we identified and have been recruiting all fall."
Jahiem PeakeLinebacker, 6-1, 220, SeniorTransfer: John Carroll UniversityAkron, Ohio | St. Vincent-St. Mary HS
John Carroll University grad transfer with one year of eligibility … In 30 career games at John Carroll, recorded 128 tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks … Named First-Team All-OAC in 2022 and 2023 … A D3Football.com Fourth-Team All-American in 2022 after recording 45 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks … SAAC President at John Carroll, Director of Business Affairs in Student Government, Sports Information student worker, and selected for the NCAA Career in Sports Forum and represented JCU at the NCAA Convention … At STVM HS, broke the single-season sack record with 21 sacks and earned All-State honors in 2020.
Hill on Peake: "His productivity just continued to get better. He's had a couple of phenomenal years at the Division III level. He's a motivated kid, understands what he wants to get out of life. We're getting a mature kid that is going to make an impact on our team."
Tyrese ReidDefensive End, 6-6, 240, FreshmanSt. Louis, Mo. | Webster Groves HS
Only played organized football for two years in high school and was named All-Conference and All-District in both his junior and senior years … Also lettered in track & field, wrestling and basketball.
Hill on Reid: "He early-enrolled and will be here as a part of our spring season. Identifying not only talented players but ones that we know will fit into this culture — Tyrese fits everything we want — phenomenal kid, great family."
Eddie RobinsonRunning Back, 5-11, 188, SophomoreTransfer: DuquesneCleveland, Ohio | Maple Heights HS
Duquesne transfer who rushed for 662 yards and 8 TDs in 2023 ... A three star recruit according to 24/7 sports from Maple Heights, Ohio ... Scored 33 touchdowns in high school and led his team to four-straight playoff appearances.
Coach Hill on Robinson: "We recruited him out of high school and have a lot of connections to him through his high school coach, who played for Coach (Blake) Rolan at Cincinnati. He's explosive, he's only going to continue to get better the older he gets. Getting a back of his caliber is going to really give us an opportunity to continue to play at a high level."
Nate TronzoDefensive End, 6-3, 235, FreshmanLouisville, Ky. | Trinity HS
Named Class 6A All-State and All-District … Tallied 23 tackles (16 solo), four tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery on his way to All-District honors last season.
Hill on Tronzo: "He comes from a phenomenal program. Just his makeup and tenacity playing defensive end — another kid who committed early and has been with us the whole way — great family as well. You identify guys that have what it takes — captains, winners, coming from good programs. Nate being able to win a state championship knows what it takes to play at a high level."
Shug WalkerLinebacker, 6-1, 225, JuniorTransfer: Murray StateBethalto, Ill. | Civic Memorial HS
Murray State transfer with two years of eligibility … Led the Racers in tackles (78) and tackles for loss (5.5) in 2023 … Two-year career totals of 109 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks … Redshirted in 2021 after playing in three games and making one tackle.
Hill on Walker: "Obviously, when you watch tape and know some of these kids you've played against, just how he plays the game stuck out on tape, the tenacity he plays with. We have a lot of depth in that room and adding (Shug) will make us better."
DJ WilliamsQuarterback, 6-2, 218, JuniorTransfer: Murray StateHarvey, Ill. | Thornton Township HS
Murray State transfer with two years of eligibility … The Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year in 2021 after passing for 1,020 yards and rushing for 532 yards with 10 total touchdowns … Injured his knee in the 2022 opener versus Texas Tech and missed the remainder of the season … Returned to starting role in 2023 and passed for 1,529 yards and 11 TDs … As a senior at Thornton Township HS in 2019, passed for 2,200 yards, rushed for 1,200 yards and scored 42 total touchdowns, leading his team to 8-3 record and earning All-State honors … Also starred in basketball as a two-time conference Player of the Year and All-State selection.
Hill on Williams: "Obviously, playing against him, seeing him on a ton of crossover film, just really having a good idea of what we're getting. He's a really talented player that has done a lot of really good things in college football. We really think getting him into this system, the sky's the limit for DJ."
PJ WintersWide Receiver, 5-9, 158, FreshmanDu Quoin, Ill. | Du Quoin HS
First-Team All Conference, All-South and Academic All-State and led his team to a 10-1 record his senior year in 2023 … An Illinois State Scholar … Also lettered in basketball and baseball and was All-Conference in baseball his junior year.
Hill on Winters: "He's just a phenomenal kid. I live in Du Quoin, so I get to see these kids around town, I know his makeup. I think he's going to be the Valedictorian. Academics is super-important to him and his family. Being able to extend an opportunity to a kid in this region to come and be a part of this thing is special."
